What do you think?
Rate this book
Queenmakers #1
Until Death
Peaky Blinders meets God of Malice in this new dark forced marriage mafia romance from New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Nicole Blanchard.
I never planned to be a mafia bride.
But when my sister is forced to marry Aiden O’Connor—the Irish mafia’s most lethal enforcer—to settle our father’s debt, I do the unthinkable.
I make him marry me instead.
Becoming his wife confirms all my worst fears.
He’s ruthless, possessive, and unhinged.
And now I’m his. To control, to punish, to keep.
Until death do us part.
When he takes his revenge in the dark, pinning me down, whispering filthy threats against my lips, making me beg when I swore I never would, one thing becomes terrifyingly
I may survive this marriage, but I won’t survive him.
Until Death is a fast-paced dark mafia romance with a morally gray characters. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the TWs at the beginning of the book.
Tropes
Tropes
• Jealous / Possessive & OTT Hero
• Morally Black Antihero
• Morally Grey Heroine
• Forced Marriage
• Irish Mafia
• “My Wife”
• “Good Boy”
• Touch Him/Her & Die
I never planned to be a mafia bride.
But when my sister is forced to marry Aiden O’Connor—the Irish mafia’s most lethal enforcer—to settle our father’s debt, I do the unthinkable.
I make him marry me instead.
Becoming his wife confirms all my worst fears.
He’s ruthless, possessive, and unhinged.
And now I’m his. To control, to punish, to keep.
Until death do us part.
When he takes his revenge in the dark, pinning me down, whispering filthy threats against my lips, making me beg when I swore I never would, one thing becomes terrifyingly
I may survive this marriage, but I won’t survive him.
Until Death is a fast-paced dark mafia romance with a morally gray characters. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the TWs at the beginning of the book.
Tropes
Tropes
• Jealous / Possessive & OTT Hero
• Morally Black Antihero
• Morally Grey Heroine
• Forced Marriage
• Irish Mafia
• “My Wife”
• “Good Boy”
• Touch Him/Her & Die
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2025
93 people are currently reading
3320 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Blanchard
62 books1,971 followersNicole Blanchard is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the TikTok-viral dark romance Toxic, a wildly addictive bestseller that has sold over 90,000 copies worldwide. Known for her morally gray antiheroes, off-the-charts heat, and jaw-dropping twists, Nicole’s stories drag readers deep into love’s darkest corners—where no one escapes unscarred.
When she’s not crafting twisted love stories that break your heart and then heal it, you can find her soaking up beach sun with a glass of sweet tea, getting inked, or running a farm full of lovable misfit animals.
You may learn more about Nicole and her work at www.authornicoleblanchard.com. Join her mailing list for updates at http://www.authornicoleblanchard.com/...
When she’s not crafting twisted love stories that break your heart and then heal it, you can find her soaking up beach sun with a glass of sweet tea, getting inked, or running a farm full of lovable misfit animals.
You may learn more about Nicole and her work at www.authornicoleblanchard.com. Join her mailing list for updates at http://www.authornicoleblanchard.com/...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
Want to read
September 8, 2025HOOK:
🍀 Irish mafia / organized crime
💍 forced marriage
🖤 morally grey heroine
🐍 morally black hero
🕸️ dub/non-con
💕 good boy
👰 “my wife”
🔥 feminine rage
🍀 Irish mafia / organized crime
💍 forced marriage
🖤 morally grey heroine
🐍 morally black hero
🕸️ dub/non-con
💕 good boy
👰 “my wife”
🔥 feminine rage
January 6, 2026
Until Death by Nicole Blanchard was a story that kept me captivated between its pages from beginning to end. Although it seemed simple at first, it gradually became more complex, stirring my curiosity more and more. Steamy and with complex, well-built characters, this story was definitely one I enjoyed.
I liked that, even though the attraction is there, that deep connection doesn’t appear right away, with Aiden not being ready to sacrifice everything for Catriona. He is very much in control and focused on his own interests, which contrasts with the fact that she allows herself, to some extent, to be vulnerable. This adds more emotion to the reading experience and prolongs the enemies to lovers atmosphere, which I really enjoyed. The intensity of the dialogue in those moments, especially, drew more than a few tears from me.
Aiden is a charming, intense character. I enjoyed getting to know him step by step and, even though we spend time in his head, I liked that we only learn what truly lay behind his decisions toward the end. What truly captivated me, though, was the FMC. Brilliantly written! You can’t place Catriona into a single category. She is so many things at once, vulnerable yet powerful above all. Though rare, I really loved the moments when she and Aiden surrender control to each other. Their interactions are delightful, each one stirring something different in me.
I also liked some of the secondary characters. Eamon added humor to the story, easily putting a smile on my face, especially when he gets on Aiden’s nerves. I would genuinely enjoy reading a story about him, and about Mara as well.
I also appreciated the touch of mystery woven into the story. Even though things seemed more than obvious at first, the plot later grows more complicated, and I found myself confused, no longer trusting the details I once thought were clues. The author managed to play with my mind, turning Until Death into a truly memorable experience.
● ● ● ● ◐
Thanks @authornicoleblanchard & @greyspromo for the ARC of this book!
I liked that, even though the attraction is there, that deep connection doesn’t appear right away, with Aiden not being ready to sacrifice everything for Catriona. He is very much in control and focused on his own interests, which contrasts with the fact that she allows herself, to some extent, to be vulnerable. This adds more emotion to the reading experience and prolongs the enemies to lovers atmosphere, which I really enjoyed. The intensity of the dialogue in those moments, especially, drew more than a few tears from me.
Aiden is a charming, intense character. I enjoyed getting to know him step by step and, even though we spend time in his head, I liked that we only learn what truly lay behind his decisions toward the end. What truly captivated me, though, was the FMC. Brilliantly written! You can’t place Catriona into a single category. She is so many things at once, vulnerable yet powerful above all. Though rare, I really loved the moments when she and Aiden surrender control to each other. Their interactions are delightful, each one stirring something different in me.
I also liked some of the secondary characters. Eamon added humor to the story, easily putting a smile on my face, especially when he gets on Aiden’s nerves. I would genuinely enjoy reading a story about him, and about Mara as well.
I also appreciated the touch of mystery woven into the story. Even though things seemed more than obvious at first, the plot later grows more complicated, and I found myself confused, no longer trusting the details I once thought were clues. The author managed to play with my mind, turning Until Death into a truly memorable experience.
● ● ● ● ◐
Thanks @authornicoleblanchard & @greyspromo for the ARC of this book!
January 5, 2026
When Catriona’s younger sister is forced to marry Aiden O’Conner - a man she knows to be dangerous - to settle their father’s gambling debt, she comes up with a plan to stop it.. a solution of sorts..
She forces him to marry her instead.
She thought she knew what he was capable of- what she didn’t know was that he was an enforcer for the Irish mafia
Aiden made it pretty clear that he’s only getting married once - Catriona is his, until death do they part
——
These characters were so beautifully written
I am OBSESSED with Aiden…
Because what do you mean you tattooed my name on you knowing I hate your guts?? I would’ve been in a puddle at his feet immediately 🤭
Catriona, as hardheaded as she was, I have to give it to her. She set out to do something and she was determined to see it through
Point me in the direction of the ’Until Death support group’
That last bit almost took me out completely
I had tears in my eyes with my jaw on the FLOOR
That plot twist almost broke my neck. I couldn’t have predicted that at all
My first 5 ⭐️ read of the year & it was 100% worth the wait
She forces him to marry her instead.
She thought she knew what he was capable of- what she didn’t know was that he was an enforcer for the Irish mafia
Aiden made it pretty clear that he’s only getting married once - Catriona is his, until death do they part
——
These characters were so beautifully written
I am OBSESSED with Aiden…
Because what do you mean you tattooed my name on you knowing I hate your guts?? I would’ve been in a puddle at his feet immediately 🤭
Catriona, as hardheaded as she was, I have to give it to her. She set out to do something and she was determined to see it through
Point me in the direction of the ’Until Death support group’
That last bit almost took me out completely
I had tears in my eyes with my jaw on the FLOOR
That plot twist almost broke my neck. I couldn’t have predicted that at all
My first 5 ⭐️ read of the year & it was 100% worth the wait
January 6, 2026
ARC Read!
When I read Toxic by Nicole Blanchard, I knew that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on another one her mafia romances. I loved this! The only thing for me was towards the end with the moment that we have been waiting for… I wanted a little more, it felt just a little bit rushed and those a**holes deserved more and longer punishments 😈 but other than that it was a great read! I loveee Aiden, sexy Irish mafia boss, TATTED, will do anything for his WIFE?! Talk about SWOON worthy! I thoroughly enjoyed Aiden and Catriona’s banter, I loved his witty replies to all her questions. He had me kicking my feet and giggling 🤭 Catriona is a good headstrong FMC, she was likeable and relatable and had good character development. I love how she didn’t fall for Aiden right away, that it felt like a real enemies to lovers, more so enemies for Catriona 😏 and unless you read Little Death first you might not understand why.
Will definitely continue to recommend and can’t wait for Mara’s story!
When I read Toxic by Nicole Blanchard, I knew that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on another one her mafia romances. I loved this! The only thing for me was towards the end with the moment that we have been waiting for… I wanted a little more, it felt just a little bit rushed and those a**holes deserved more and longer punishments 😈 but other than that it was a great read! I loveee Aiden, sexy Irish mafia boss, TATTED, will do anything for his WIFE?! Talk about SWOON worthy! I thoroughly enjoyed Aiden and Catriona’s banter, I loved his witty replies to all her questions. He had me kicking my feet and giggling 🤭 Catriona is a good headstrong FMC, she was likeable and relatable and had good character development. I love how she didn’t fall for Aiden right away, that it felt like a real enemies to lovers, more so enemies for Catriona 😏 and unless you read Little Death first you might not understand why.
Will definitely continue to recommend and can’t wait for Mara’s story!
January 6, 2026
Omg what a book! I didn't want to stop reading, but my house, kids and sleep needed some attention, unfortunately lol.
I love mafia books. But this one it gave me so many feelings. The MMC and FMC I absolutely loved them both, the FMC because she is a fucking badass and don't let anyone getting in the way of her plans. The MMC, the ruthless mafia boss, is a monster but not for her and the things he says to her got me melting away honestly.. I got so many highlights for all the things he says it's absurd. Where everyone fears him, she just looks him in the eye and says what she want to say even without blinking and it got him falling really fast. I loved the tension, the pulling to each other but to stubborn to give in, the banter with him and his friends.
Yes there is happing a lot of things, there is heartwarming moments, secrets, deals, betrayal, pain and loss, but also happiness.
And you just need to read it for yourself, period!⁸
I love mafia books. But this one it gave me so many feelings. The MMC and FMC I absolutely loved them both, the FMC because she is a fucking badass and don't let anyone getting in the way of her plans. The MMC, the ruthless mafia boss, is a monster but not for her and the things he says to her got me melting away honestly.. I got so many highlights for all the things he says it's absurd. Where everyone fears him, she just looks him in the eye and says what she want to say even without blinking and it got him falling really fast. I loved the tension, the pulling to each other but to stubborn to give in, the banter with him and his friends.
Yes there is happing a lot of things, there is heartwarming moments, secrets, deals, betrayal, pain and loss, but also happiness.
And you just need to read it for yourself, period!⁸
January 4, 2026
Nicole Blanchard you have SLAYED my heart, and I am sprawled out on the floor dying of a slow and painful death after inhaling Aiden & Catriona's addictively captivating and all-around consuming tale. Someone check back on me in a few hours to make sure I am still breathing...
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐨𝐧-𝐢𝐬𝐡...
January 7, 2026
I devoured this! Continuing on from the novella ‘little death’ Catriona sacrifices herself to save her sister from a forced marriage into a mafia family.
This girl Is bad ass !! I love a strong FMC and Catriona was that and more! Aiden is to die for! He is morally black, obsessed perfection! Their dynamic was so hot!
Absolutely loved it!
This girl Is bad ass !! I love a strong FMC and Catriona was that and more! Aiden is to die for! He is morally black, obsessed perfection! Their dynamic was so hot!
Absolutely loved it!
January 6, 2026
I devoured this book in a single sitting. From the very first chapter, it had its claws in me, and I couldn’t tear myself away. Every page pulled me deeper into a dark, dangerous world filled with tension, secrets, and a romance that burned as fiercely as it hurt.
The story picks up after the events of "Little Death", following Catriona and Aiden as their lives collide in the most brutal way. Catriona’s father is drowning in debt owed to Aiden’s clan, and he knows there’s only one currency the mob will accept when money runs out. To save himself, he offers up one of his daughters as a bride. What he doesn’t expect is Catriona stepping forward to take her sister’s place, fully aware that she’s tying herself to the most feared man she’s ever known.
Catriona is everything I love in a heroine. She’s sharp, defiant, and unbreakable. She refuses to bow, even when surrounded by men who tremble at Aiden’s name. She challenges him at every turn, pushes back against his control, and refuses to let her voice be taken from her again. Beneath that fire is a woman driven by grief and unanswered questions, especially surrounding her mother’s death—questions she’s willing to risk everything to uncover.
Aiden is darkness given form. An enforcer raised by violence, shaped by loss, and molded into a weapon long before he had a choice. He’s ruthless, calculating, and deadly—but his control begins to fracture the moment Catriona becomes his wife. What starts as resentment and resistance slowly transforms into obsession and devotion. Against his will, she becomes his weakness, and eventually, his reason. Where others see a monster, she sees the man underneath—and he gives her something she’s never truly had before: agency.
Their relationship is explosive. The forced marriage trope is executed beautifully, packed with sharp banter, power struggles, and undeniable chemistry. They make each other miserable in the best way at first, both too stubborn to surrender, yet unable to stay away. The tension between them is constant, and when it finally shifts, it’s intense and earned. They don’t soften each other—they sharpen each other. By the end, there’s no doubt they would burn everything down to protect what they’ve built together.
The plot itself is tightly paced and unpredictable, layering mob politics, family betrayal, and long-buried secrets. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story pulled the rug out
The story picks up after the events of "Little Death", following Catriona and Aiden as their lives collide in the most brutal way. Catriona’s father is drowning in debt owed to Aiden’s clan, and he knows there’s only one currency the mob will accept when money runs out. To save himself, he offers up one of his daughters as a bride. What he doesn’t expect is Catriona stepping forward to take her sister’s place, fully aware that she’s tying herself to the most feared man she’s ever known.
Catriona is everything I love in a heroine. She’s sharp, defiant, and unbreakable. She refuses to bow, even when surrounded by men who tremble at Aiden’s name. She challenges him at every turn, pushes back against his control, and refuses to let her voice be taken from her again. Beneath that fire is a woman driven by grief and unanswered questions, especially surrounding her mother’s death—questions she’s willing to risk everything to uncover.
Aiden is darkness given form. An enforcer raised by violence, shaped by loss, and molded into a weapon long before he had a choice. He’s ruthless, calculating, and deadly—but his control begins to fracture the moment Catriona becomes his wife. What starts as resentment and resistance slowly transforms into obsession and devotion. Against his will, she becomes his weakness, and eventually, his reason. Where others see a monster, she sees the man underneath—and he gives her something she’s never truly had before: agency.
Their relationship is explosive. The forced marriage trope is executed beautifully, packed with sharp banter, power struggles, and undeniable chemistry. They make each other miserable in the best way at first, both too stubborn to surrender, yet unable to stay away. The tension between them is constant, and when it finally shifts, it’s intense and earned. They don’t soften each other—they sharpen each other. By the end, there’s no doubt they would burn everything down to protect what they’ve built together.
The plot itself is tightly paced and unpredictable, layering mob politics, family betrayal, and long-buried secrets. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story pulled the rug out
January 4, 2026
First I just want to say, I ATE THIS UP! I finished this in a day, I was completely engrossed in this story, I could not put this book down.
Continuing where Catriona and Aiden left off after Little Death, her father owed Aiden’s clan money- and a lot of it. He knew he’d never be able to pay off the mob, he needed more time, so he knew the way to keep himself alive and to get Aiden what he wanted, was to sell off one of his daughters to become his bride. They completely loathed each other, but now she is stuck with him, and she’ll fight him every single minute.
Catriona is strong willed, she will talk back and doesn’t cower in fear. When big men would shake at the knees to Aiden, she gives him a piece of her mind. She’ll do anything to solve what happened to her mother, even if it puts her in danger.
Aiden being the enforcer, he’s brutal, feared, not to be messed with. But somewhere along the way, he gives in to her and will do anything to keep her safe. He tries his hardest to fight her, but ends up worshipping her instead.
These two although had so much tension in the beginning, ended up being the perfect couple. He’d burn the world for her, and she’d do the same for him. She always had power taken away from her, and he gave it back to her.
Overall, I was so obsessed with this story, I was so shocked towards the ending, and I was so happy they got there happily ever after. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Continuing where Catriona and Aiden left off after Little Death, her father owed Aiden’s clan money- and a lot of it. He knew he’d never be able to pay off the mob, he needed more time, so he knew the way to keep himself alive and to get Aiden what he wanted, was to sell off one of his daughters to become his bride. They completely loathed each other, but now she is stuck with him, and she’ll fight him every single minute.
Catriona is strong willed, she will talk back and doesn’t cower in fear. When big men would shake at the knees to Aiden, she gives him a piece of her mind. She’ll do anything to solve what happened to her mother, even if it puts her in danger.
Aiden being the enforcer, he’s brutal, feared, not to be messed with. But somewhere along the way, he gives in to her and will do anything to keep her safe. He tries his hardest to fight her, but ends up worshipping her instead.
These two although had so much tension in the beginning, ended up being the perfect couple. He’d burn the world for her, and she’d do the same for him. She always had power taken away from her, and he gave it back to her.
Overall, I was so obsessed with this story, I was so shocked towards the ending, and I was so happy they got there happily ever after. I can’t wait to read the next book!
January 4, 2026
Huge thank you to Nicole Blanchard and Greys Promo for the gifted e-arc copy in exchange for my honest review review.
This book snagged my attention from the very beginning. I absolutely loved the idea of Catriona taking matters into her own hands when it came to dealing with Aiden. Not only is she protective of her family, she also is a girl that isn’t afraid to go toe to toe with him either. Catriona is the type of FMC that doesn’t back down when things get messy and I honestly love that about her. She is Aiden’s perfect match in every sense of the word and I loved seeing their dynamic together. The bickering and banter, the tension, the protective and possessiveness that Aiden shows just had me on my toes the entire time.
When it came down to the darker parts of the story such as the Irish mob, I felt like Nicole did a great job at making the atmosphere feel thick and even a bit uncomfortable as we had to read about our main characters and all of the things they had to do and were even forced to do. It truly was a huge, messy game of “who can we trust/believe?” And i honestly didn’t see that plot twist coming. When everything was said and done, you could tell how much Aiden just wanted to get Catriona out of that dangerous lifestyle but these two literally are meant to be and I loved seeing how their relationship together bloomed into something beautiful!
This book snagged my attention from the very beginning. I absolutely loved the idea of Catriona taking matters into her own hands when it came to dealing with Aiden. Not only is she protective of her family, she also is a girl that isn’t afraid to go toe to toe with him either. Catriona is the type of FMC that doesn’t back down when things get messy and I honestly love that about her. She is Aiden’s perfect match in every sense of the word and I loved seeing their dynamic together. The bickering and banter, the tension, the protective and possessiveness that Aiden shows just had me on my toes the entire time.
When it came down to the darker parts of the story such as the Irish mob, I felt like Nicole did a great job at making the atmosphere feel thick and even a bit uncomfortable as we had to read about our main characters and all of the things they had to do and were even forced to do. It truly was a huge, messy game of “who can we trust/believe?” And i honestly didn’t see that plot twist coming. When everything was said and done, you could tell how much Aiden just wanted to get Catriona out of that dangerous lifestyle but these two literally are meant to be and I loved seeing how their relationship together bloomed into something beautiful!
January 5, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Make sure you check your triggers on this one because it is a Dark Romance through and through. Also, if you didn’t read Little Death (Novella) before this, I would recommend doing that first. I can’t believe I am going to say this but there were times when the s3x scenes were too much for me? There was a lot of hate f**king and it wore on me. This is probably a me problem?? I would say I really liked the 2nd half of this book a lot more than the 1st half and I loved that King and Tessa made an appearance.
Catriona lost her mom 6 months ago and life has not been the same since. She is desperate to find out what truly happened to her because there is no way it was an accident. Only, she didn’t know searching for answers to her mom’s death, would put her on a path of great danger.
Aiden is a dog for the leader of the Irish Mafia. What Cian wants done, Aiden does it, no questions asked. Aiden is sent to New Orleans to collect on some debts for the Irish Mob when he runs into Catriona.
✨ What to Expect ✨
🖤 Dark Romance
🍀 Irish Mafia Romance
💍 Forced Marriage
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
🔪 Touch her and die energy
🩶 Morally Grey MMC
🖋️ Tattoos
👑 “My Wife”
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Make sure you check your triggers on this one because it is a Dark Romance through and through. Also, if you didn’t read Little Death (Novella) before this, I would recommend doing that first. I can’t believe I am going to say this but there were times when the s3x scenes were too much for me? There was a lot of hate f**king and it wore on me. This is probably a me problem?? I would say I really liked the 2nd half of this book a lot more than the 1st half and I loved that King and Tessa made an appearance.
Catriona lost her mom 6 months ago and life has not been the same since. She is desperate to find out what truly happened to her because there is no way it was an accident. Only, she didn’t know searching for answers to her mom’s death, would put her on a path of great danger.
Aiden is a dog for the leader of the Irish Mafia. What Cian wants done, Aiden does it, no questions asked. Aiden is sent to New Orleans to collect on some debts for the Irish Mob when he runs into Catriona.
✨ What to Expect ✨
🖤 Dark Romance
🍀 Irish Mafia Romance
💍 Forced Marriage
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
🔪 Touch her and die energy
🩶 Morally Grey MMC
🖋️ Tattoos
👑 “My Wife”
January 5, 2026
Until Death by @authornicoleblanchard
Thank you so much for the ARC @authornicoleblanchard - I was obsessed!!!
Anyone need a new dark, dangerous, morally grey book boyfriend?? Aiden O’Connor may be the ideal candidate and he is perfect. There is no doubt about it he is red flag but absolutely perfect and I loved him 🥵.
Catrina is everything I love in a FMC too. Properly strong, feisty and will bring anyone to knees. I could see why Aiden was obsessed with her (I was too - I want to be her bestie).
This is a mafia romance but with a twist. It’s not a simple sweet naive FMC needs rescuing by the morally grey MMC. Nope our girl Catrina got her own story going on and she isn’t involving Aiden. Loved her for that!!! Loads of sub plots also going on with side characters that I desperately wanted to be involved in too - basically I kind of want to live in this book. Is that possible @authornicoleblanchard
Overarching point of this post; Read Little Death now as the prequel for Until Death and then you will be ready to immediately read Until Death on the 8th. Then we can all wait together for Kiss of Death when that’s released!!
Thank you so much for the ARC @authornicoleblanchard - I was obsessed!!!
Anyone need a new dark, dangerous, morally grey book boyfriend?? Aiden O’Connor may be the ideal candidate and he is perfect. There is no doubt about it he is red flag but absolutely perfect and I loved him 🥵.
Catrina is everything I love in a FMC too. Properly strong, feisty and will bring anyone to knees. I could see why Aiden was obsessed with her (I was too - I want to be her bestie).
This is a mafia romance but with a twist. It’s not a simple sweet naive FMC needs rescuing by the morally grey MMC. Nope our girl Catrina got her own story going on and she isn’t involving Aiden. Loved her for that!!! Loads of sub plots also going on with side characters that I desperately wanted to be involved in too - basically I kind of want to live in this book. Is that possible @authornicoleblanchard
Overarching point of this post; Read Little Death now as the prequel for Until Death and then you will be ready to immediately read Until Death on the 8th. Then we can all wait together for Kiss of Death when that’s released!!
January 8, 2026
I read Little Death before and I’m so glad I did. It really helped me understand their intimate connection. I loved the FMC and MMC.
I would say this MMC isn’t a psychopath type but he is definitely morally grey. He has a few people he cares for deeply and his loyalty runs deep for them. I would say he is more created based off his circumstances but always comes out on top to survive as the best. He may be tough but don’t let that fool you, he BEGS for her. 🤭
The FMC is such a tough cookie! I love her stubbornness and unwillingness to give up on finding the truth about her mother’s death. I also enjoy how she never whined or complained but rather tried to make the best of her situation especially her relationship with her father.
The plot twist I didn’t see coming. That dinner scene was chaos! So much happened but I didn’t fell like it was rushed.
Also the spice level is off the charts! They way he begs, the way he enjoys her stubbornness, and his aftercare was 10/10 🌶️
I would say this MMC isn’t a psychopath type but he is definitely morally grey. He has a few people he cares for deeply and his loyalty runs deep for them. I would say he is more created based off his circumstances but always comes out on top to survive as the best. He may be tough but don’t let that fool you, he BEGS for her. 🤭
The FMC is such a tough cookie! I love her stubbornness and unwillingness to give up on finding the truth about her mother’s death. I also enjoy how she never whined or complained but rather tried to make the best of her situation especially her relationship with her father.
The plot twist I didn’t see coming. That dinner scene was chaos! So much happened but I didn’t fell like it was rushed.
Also the spice level is off the charts! They way he begs, the way he enjoys her stubbornness, and his aftercare was 10/10 🌶️
January 8, 2026
This was such a good book! I adored the intense connection between Aiden and Catriona. The banterrr and need for control had me blushing harddd. The worship and praise in this book was at an all time high 😮💨. These two were constantly burning for each other.
Aiden is possessive, controlling, and full of filth. Despite all this, this man is sinfully delicious. The push and pull made the passion between them so much more intense. Even though Aiden acts as though he doesn’t care, this man worships the ground that Catriona walks on. He shares his money, protects her with his life, and eventually falls in love with her.
Catriona is a strong as hell female character who puts herself in harms way to protect those she loves. She’s stubborn, mouthy, and fearful of nothing. The way in which she stands up to Aiden and speaks her mind had me appreciating her like no other. She demands respect and will stop at nothing to get it.
Aiden is possessive, controlling, and full of filth. Despite all this, this man is sinfully delicious. The push and pull made the passion between them so much more intense. Even though Aiden acts as though he doesn’t care, this man worships the ground that Catriona walks on. He shares his money, protects her with his life, and eventually falls in love with her.
Catriona is a strong as hell female character who puts herself in harms way to protect those she loves. She’s stubborn, mouthy, and fearful of nothing. The way in which she stands up to Aiden and speaks her mind had me appreciating her like no other. She demands respect and will stop at nothing to get it.
January 5, 2026
Catriona and Aiden’s story is everything one would want in a dark romance. Steam, mystery, danger and twists.
And the spice… holy fxck!
It is definitely best to read their prequel novella first, as it definitely builds on their beautifully and insanely hawt instant chemistry.
Thank you Nicole and Greys Promo for an advanced copy.
And the spice… holy fxck!
It is definitely best to read their prequel novella first, as it definitely builds on their beautifully and insanely hawt instant chemistry.
Thank you Nicole and Greys Promo for an advanced copy.
January 7, 2026
There are so many tropes and triggers in this novel, it would take me eternity to list them all.
✅Irish mafia 🍀
✅Forced marriage 💍
✅Forced exhibitionism
✅Dub / Non-con
✅Elements of a Dom/Sub relationship
✅Morally gray FMC
✅Morally black MMC
✅Pierced MMC 🍆
✅"Show me what a good husband you are." 🌶️
✅SA / DV / references to g*rape
It's a Dark Irish Mafia Romance 🖤 that embraces the villain of the story and turns even the straightest arrow of a woman into a somewhat submissive wife.
Or is it really HIM that's submitting to HER? 🤭
Oh yes, make no assumptions regarding who's in charge. Both Aiden and Catriona are dominant characters, each fighting for obedience and submission from the other. Perhaps that the best thing about this story- The equity and elevation both husband and wife give each other.
Catriona was never going to be a good girl. If the author had turned her into a helpless wife, the type of FMC we typically see in Mafia stereotypes, that story wouldn't have worked out as well as it did. There's a reason this series is titled Queenmakers 👑 instead of Kingmakers; Catriona is the driving force behind Aiden's life, the motivation behind his actions, the very reason for his existence. She inspires him daily. Aiden doesn't take away her independence; he empowers her stubborn nature and ferocity (both in and out of the bedroom). He is the reason she's able to move beyond the circumstances which led them to the altar and truly fall in love with the man.
I found myself diving into the plot because of Catriona. She's relentless in her pursuit of the truth and doesn't hesitate to take up the mantle and responsibilities of the eldest daughter of a powerful family. She deprives herself to make sure everyone else survives and flourishes. Even at the end, when things took a dramatic and unexpected turn with her seriously messed-up family, she still felt compelled to see things through to the end. This screams "first daughter" issues, something I think a lot of readers are going to resonate with.
Thank you, Nicole Blanchard for writing this novel. Whether it was intentional or not, I applaud your creation of a stubborn first-born daughter and her equally stubborn mafia enforcer. They drove the story, kept the spice EXTRA SPICY 🥵, and created an empire worthy of Mary O'Conner. 😉
Oh, and that cameo with Gracin and Tessa from Toxic? YESSSS! You know that's one of my favorite book couples, right? Bravo! 🙌
I imagine Mara's story will be equally engaging, because she's just as fierce as Catriona, if not more-so. 💪 I cannot wait to continue with the series!
✅Irish mafia 🍀
✅Forced marriage 💍
✅Forced exhibitionism
✅Dub / Non-con
✅Elements of a Dom/Sub relationship
✅Morally gray FMC
✅Morally black MMC
✅Pierced MMC 🍆
✅"Show me what a good husband you are." 🌶️
✅SA / DV / references to g*rape
It's a Dark Irish Mafia Romance 🖤 that embraces the villain of the story and turns even the straightest arrow of a woman into a somewhat submissive wife.
Or is it really HIM that's submitting to HER? 🤭
Oh yes, make no assumptions regarding who's in charge. Both Aiden and Catriona are dominant characters, each fighting for obedience and submission from the other. Perhaps that the best thing about this story- The equity and elevation both husband and wife give each other.
Catriona was never going to be a good girl. If the author had turned her into a helpless wife, the type of FMC we typically see in Mafia stereotypes, that story wouldn't have worked out as well as it did. There's a reason this series is titled Queenmakers 👑 instead of Kingmakers; Catriona is the driving force behind Aiden's life, the motivation behind his actions, the very reason for his existence. She inspires him daily. Aiden doesn't take away her independence; he empowers her stubborn nature and ferocity (both in and out of the bedroom). He is the reason she's able to move beyond the circumstances which led them to the altar and truly fall in love with the man.
I found myself diving into the plot because of Catriona. She's relentless in her pursuit of the truth and doesn't hesitate to take up the mantle and responsibilities of the eldest daughter of a powerful family. She deprives herself to make sure everyone else survives and flourishes. Even at the end, when things took a dramatic and unexpected turn with her seriously messed-up family, she still felt compelled to see things through to the end. This screams "first daughter" issues, something I think a lot of readers are going to resonate with.
Thank you, Nicole Blanchard for writing this novel. Whether it was intentional or not, I applaud your creation of a stubborn first-born daughter and her equally stubborn mafia enforcer. They drove the story, kept the spice EXTRA SPICY 🥵, and created an empire worthy of Mary O'Conner. 😉
Oh, and that cameo with Gracin and Tessa from Toxic? YESSSS! You know that's one of my favorite book couples, right? Bravo! 🙌
I imagine Mara's story will be equally engaging, because she's just as fierce as Catriona, if not more-so. 💪 I cannot wait to continue with the series!
January 8, 2026
My first ARC of 2026! And what a ride it was! You’ve got the Irish mob, a possessive & heavily tattooed enforcer, a smart-mouthed black cat woman on a mission, and family dynamics that are truly, truly fucked up! This is the first Nicole Blanchard novel that I have read and did not have much knowledge going into it on what I might be in for, but if this book tells me anything for future reads, I am in for witty banter, thorough and thoughtful narrative, and main characters that blot out all thoughts of where the line is drawn.
This novel follows Aiden O’Connor who is an enforcer of one of the Irish mob families, and Catriona Gallagher, the eldest daughter of a United States senator. The two could not be from different worlds if you tried. However, during the course of this book, and through an arranged marriage to save her sister a doomed fate, Aiden and Catriona find that they have more in common with each other than they ever thought they could, and an attraction that can hardly be denied.
In all of my romance readings (and there has been A LOT), I don’t read mafia romances too often and it’s mostly because I am a self-admitted pansy and don’t like gore too much. However, I will say that the way in which Nicole writes this novel, she made it more palatable for me as it wasn’t over-placed with gore, but spread appropriately throughout the novel as not to oversaturate or overdo it, making the reader feel as though this is no longer a dark romance, and just a straight up horror book.
That brings me to my next kudos for Nicole in just how stylish her writing is. As stated at the beginning of this review, I had not had the pleasure of reading one of her novels until now, something I wish I had done way before now. Her writing is very thorough, detailed, stylish, haunting, and beautiful. All the way from the inner-workings of the characters thoughts, a bloody shoot-out between mafia clans. I feel it is Nicole’s power, as well as maybe her weakness, but mostly in the sense that her attention-to-detail allowed this book to be longer than necessary and for the back-and-forth between her characters drag on longer than needed. But, that is all opinion on my end and does not in anyway take away from the solid piece of work that this novel truly is.
For not having read a lot of mafia themed books, this book helps to level-set my expectations going forward on what one should be looking for in these types of novels. Brutality, but purpose, charisma but honesty, and possession but heart.
This novel follows Aiden O’Connor who is an enforcer of one of the Irish mob families, and Catriona Gallagher, the eldest daughter of a United States senator. The two could not be from different worlds if you tried. However, during the course of this book, and through an arranged marriage to save her sister a doomed fate, Aiden and Catriona find that they have more in common with each other than they ever thought they could, and an attraction that can hardly be denied.
In all of my romance readings (and there has been A LOT), I don’t read mafia romances too often and it’s mostly because I am a self-admitted pansy and don’t like gore too much. However, I will say that the way in which Nicole writes this novel, she made it more palatable for me as it wasn’t over-placed with gore, but spread appropriately throughout the novel as not to oversaturate or overdo it, making the reader feel as though this is no longer a dark romance, and just a straight up horror book.
That brings me to my next kudos for Nicole in just how stylish her writing is. As stated at the beginning of this review, I had not had the pleasure of reading one of her novels until now, something I wish I had done way before now. Her writing is very thorough, detailed, stylish, haunting, and beautiful. All the way from the inner-workings of the characters thoughts, a bloody shoot-out between mafia clans. I feel it is Nicole’s power, as well as maybe her weakness, but mostly in the sense that her attention-to-detail allowed this book to be longer than necessary and for the back-and-forth between her characters drag on longer than needed. But, that is all opinion on my end and does not in anyway take away from the solid piece of work that this novel truly is.
For not having read a lot of mafia themed books, this book helps to level-set my expectations going forward on what one should be looking for in these types of novels. Brutality, but purpose, charisma but honesty, and possession but heart.
January 6, 2026
My Queen Nicole Blanchard has done it AGAIN! My gosh this book was absolutely insane and had me hooked from start to finish. Firstly I genuinely recommend reading the prequel Little Death before reading this book because it just levels up the experience tenfold, plus it’s full of fun spice (some crawl to me action), and gives off amazing hate to love energy that really is the foundation of their entire relationship. This plot was amazing from the start, because how she managed to basically trick him into marrying her was insane. This book is filled with their fun and flirty banter, and incredible plot lines as they navigate their marriage, trying not to kill each other. But stakes are raised when his boss Cian finds out what he’s done and my god things just go crazy from there. The amount of plot twists and the impact of each one was just insane. That dinner scene was chaos that had me clinging onto the edge of my seat devouring every word. Because the plot was just so well thought out, intensely thrilling yet emotional and perfectly executed. And this book isn’t all plot, the characters are so compelling and Aiden and Catriona’s chemistry was just through the roof. They were enemies to lovers done perfectly, and I loved the touch of morally grey in Catriona because she’s exactly the type of strong fmc I was looking for. Aidan is said to be morally black, in my opinion, he’s actually such a sweetheart deep inside. He’s not psycho naturally, he’s a product of his traumatising childhood experiences and what life has forced him to become in order to survive. In truth, this man loves. Very. Very. Hard. He loves his mother but he’s also had feelings for Catriona for a very long time he’s just afraid of the consequences of admitting it. He is such a complex character, while also being a possessive and obsessive asshole at times, and I loved reading about him. I devoured this book, and I loved everything about it. I loved the side characters too and can’t wait to read about Maras story! I give this a solid 5/5, and is a must read for dark romance fans who love a bit of mystery.
January 8, 2026
𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 - 𝟝 ⭐️ & 𝟛 🌶️
ℚ𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤:
And then it’s done. I’m married to Aiden O’Connor. Fuck.
“That’s good. You’re going to be my perfect little obedient wife now, aren’t you? So good for me. So sweet, like I know you can be.”
“And if you ever threaten my wife again, it’ll be the last thing you do.”
She may have only wanted me as her husband for her sister’s sake, but now that she’s got me, I want everything from her. Especially her secrets.
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨:
Do you love a man who gives you unlimited access to his money and demands that you spend it on absolutely anything you desire? 👀
Well, if you do, this book is for you, because the MMC does exactly that to the FMC.
If you haven’t read the short novel before this book, Little Death, I strongly recommend starting there, because this story will make so much more sense afterward.
Six months after the events of the novella, we find out that Catriona’s father has been hiding. He owes a massive debt to Aiden’s boss, and when it is time to collect, Aiden’s best friend and right hand, Eamon, tracks him down. Since he cannot pay the money, he makes a deal.
To settle the debt, he offers his daughter’s hand in an arranged marriage, specifically his youngest daughter. After the marriage, she would gain access to her mother’s inheritance and use it to pay off the debt. However, Aiden does not agree to the marriage for this reason alone. If he is getting married, it also means returning home to Ireland to see his mother after many years, because tradition demands he present his new wife to the family and receive their approval.
When Catriona finds out about the arrangement, she does everything possible to stop it. She even offers to take her sister’s place, but Aiden refuses. He does not want her as his wife, and the reason why is something you will have to discover yourself.
I really loved this book, especially the fact that Catriona never gives up and constantly challenges Aiden. Their dynamic is priceless. And the way she manages to marry him instead of her sister? Absolutely loved it.
And that plot twist at the end? Completely unexpected. You really need to read this one.
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 - 𝟝 ⭐️ & 𝟛 🌶️
ℚ𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤:
And then it’s done. I’m married to Aiden O’Connor. Fuck.
“That’s good. You’re going to be my perfect little obedient wife now, aren’t you? So good for me. So sweet, like I know you can be.”
“And if you ever threaten my wife again, it’ll be the last thing you do.”
She may have only wanted me as her husband for her sister’s sake, but now that she’s got me, I want everything from her. Especially her secrets.
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨:
Do you love a man who gives you unlimited access to his money and demands that you spend it on absolutely anything you desire? 👀
Well, if you do, this book is for you, because the MMC does exactly that to the FMC.
If you haven’t read the short novel before this book, Little Death, I strongly recommend starting there, because this story will make so much more sense afterward.
Six months after the events of the novella, we find out that Catriona’s father has been hiding. He owes a massive debt to Aiden’s boss, and when it is time to collect, Aiden’s best friend and right hand, Eamon, tracks him down. Since he cannot pay the money, he makes a deal.
To settle the debt, he offers his daughter’s hand in an arranged marriage, specifically his youngest daughter. After the marriage, she would gain access to her mother’s inheritance and use it to pay off the debt. However, Aiden does not agree to the marriage for this reason alone. If he is getting married, it also means returning home to Ireland to see his mother after many years, because tradition demands he present his new wife to the family and receive their approval.
When Catriona finds out about the arrangement, she does everything possible to stop it. She even offers to take her sister’s place, but Aiden refuses. He does not want her as his wife, and the reason why is something you will have to discover yourself.
I really loved this book, especially the fact that Catriona never gives up and constantly challenges Aiden. Their dynamic is priceless. And the way she manages to marry him instead of her sister? Absolutely loved it.
And that plot twist at the end? Completely unexpected. You really need to read this one.
January 3, 2026
Catriona is a law student, and until her mother’s death, she had her whole life planned out. Determined to get answers, six months ago, she snuck into her former home during a party to collect evidence she was hoping would help her solve the mystery, but what she didn’t expect was to spend a night with Aiden, who she hasn’t been able to forget about since. When she learns that her 18 year old sister is being forced to marry Aiden to settle her father’s debt, she knows she can’t let that happen, so she forces him to marry her instead. The one thing she forgot to plan was what would happen after they said “I do”.
Aiden was forced into the role of enforcer for the Irish Mob when he was only a teenager, groomed into the role when its leader killed his father and took his mother as his bride. Since then he has been biding his time, building a life in New Orleans, waiting to get his revenge. When a desperate man offers his youngest daughter up as payment for a debt owed, Aiden agrees, because he refuses to risk Catriona by bringing her into his world. When he finds himself married to the sister he wanted in the first place, he is torn between wanting to spend all his time reliving their night together, and preparing himself for the gauntlet they will be forced to walk through when his stepfather finds out about the marriage.
I received an early copy of this book from Grey’s Promotions and absolutely adored it! I loved how this book was a true duet, so we got to see Aiden’s POV right from the beginning, rather than just at the end like with Little Death. Seeing the man he was behind the mask he is forced to wear everyday, and learning his motivations behind his every action made him the ultimate anti-hero. The chemistry between Catriona and Aiden is off the charts, and watching them take turns leading was a refreshing change from the typical alpha males you see in most mafia romance books. Their story is the first instalment in the series, and I can’t wait to see what happens with the other characters.
Aiden was forced into the role of enforcer for the Irish Mob when he was only a teenager, groomed into the role when its leader killed his father and took his mother as his bride. Since then he has been biding his time, building a life in New Orleans, waiting to get his revenge. When a desperate man offers his youngest daughter up as payment for a debt owed, Aiden agrees, because he refuses to risk Catriona by bringing her into his world. When he finds himself married to the sister he wanted in the first place, he is torn between wanting to spend all his time reliving their night together, and preparing himself for the gauntlet they will be forced to walk through when his stepfather finds out about the marriage.
I received an early copy of this book from Grey’s Promotions and absolutely adored it! I loved how this book was a true duet, so we got to see Aiden’s POV right from the beginning, rather than just at the end like with Little Death. Seeing the man he was behind the mask he is forced to wear everyday, and learning his motivations behind his every action made him the ultimate anti-hero. The chemistry between Catriona and Aiden is off the charts, and watching them take turns leading was a refreshing change from the typical alpha males you see in most mafia romance books. Their story is the first instalment in the series, and I can’t wait to see what happens with the other characters.
January 4, 2026
Thank you so much Grey's Promotions for sending me this ARC!
Until Death is a standalone Dark Romance book and I really enjoyed it, Catriona and Aiden’s story was so interesting and I already can’t wait for more books from this author.
After spending a night with the man she saw murder someone, Catriona is afraid he is going to come for her, but the last thing she expects is for her father to arrange a marriage for her sister with that man, Aiden. To protect her sister Catriona tricks everyone and takes her place and soon can’t deny the scorching hot attraction between her and her new husband, but Aiden wants to make her pay and soon, because of his work and Catriona’s family secrets, danger is coming for them both.
This book started really interesting and it was getting even more so with each chapter, the plot was perfectly paced and quite unpredictable and that plot twist at the end had me with my jaw on the floor, I definitely didn’t expect that. Catriona and Aiden were incredible MCs, they were both morally grey and enjoyed making each other’s lives difficult, I love the forced marriage trope and it was written perfectly here and their dynamics in that marriage were everything I hoped for and more. Despite their initial reluctance I could feel the tension between them from their first meeting and I really recommend reading the novella, Little Death, before this book, it’s not strictly necessary, but gives so much more depth to everything that happens in the beginning of this book. And the spicy scenes were *chief’s kiss* I found myself blushing a few times, Catriona and Aiden were fire together and I loved reading their story and how perfect they turned out to be for each other. We were also introduced to many interesting side characters and I hope they will get their own books, Mara’s book is already confirmed and I can’t wait to read it.
Until Death is a great dark romance book with everything I love in this genre, I recommend it to everyone and am excited to read more books from this author.
Until Death is a standalone Dark Romance book and I really enjoyed it, Catriona and Aiden’s story was so interesting and I already can’t wait for more books from this author.
After spending a night with the man she saw murder someone, Catriona is afraid he is going to come for her, but the last thing she expects is for her father to arrange a marriage for her sister with that man, Aiden. To protect her sister Catriona tricks everyone and takes her place and soon can’t deny the scorching hot attraction between her and her new husband, but Aiden wants to make her pay and soon, because of his work and Catriona’s family secrets, danger is coming for them both.
This book started really interesting and it was getting even more so with each chapter, the plot was perfectly paced and quite unpredictable and that plot twist at the end had me with my jaw on the floor, I definitely didn’t expect that. Catriona and Aiden were incredible MCs, they were both morally grey and enjoyed making each other’s lives difficult, I love the forced marriage trope and it was written perfectly here and their dynamics in that marriage were everything I hoped for and more. Despite their initial reluctance I could feel the tension between them from their first meeting and I really recommend reading the novella, Little Death, before this book, it’s not strictly necessary, but gives so much more depth to everything that happens in the beginning of this book. And the spicy scenes were *chief’s kiss* I found myself blushing a few times, Catriona and Aiden were fire together and I loved reading their story and how perfect they turned out to be for each other. We were also introduced to many interesting side characters and I hope they will get their own books, Mara’s book is already confirmed and I can’t wait to read it.
Until Death is a great dark romance book with everything I love in this genre, I recommend it to everyone and am excited to read more books from this author.
January 5, 2026
He didn’t want a wife, he claimed one 🫠
5 ⭐️ | 4.25 🌶️
I went into Until Death as a Nicole Blanchard newbie and came out utterly wrecked, in the best possible way. This book didn’t just hook me; it dragged me under and refused to let go. One sitting. Zero regrets. Responsibilities? Never heard of those.
Peaky Blinders grit meets God of Malice levels of dark obsession, wrapped in a forced marriage mafia romance that is raw, brutal, and intoxicating from page one. The pacing is relentless, the tension razor-sharp, and the emotional payoff? So worth it.
Catriona is the kind of FMC I instantly respect: fierce, self-sacrificing, and far more resilient than anyone gives her credit for. When she steps into her sister’s place to marry an Irish mafia enforcer, it’s not because she’s reckless, it’s because she’s brave. And watching her navigate a marriage built on debt, power, and fear while slowly reclaiming her agency? Chef’s kiss.
And then there’s Aiden O’Connor. Ruthless. Possessive. Morally gray in the most dangerous way. He doesn’t pretend to be a good man and that honesty somehow makes him even more compelling. The “my wife” energy? LETHAL. The way his vengeance-driven purpose collides with unwanted devotion creates a tension that crackles on every page.
What truly sold this book for me wasn’t just the heat (which is very much there 🥵), but the character growth, layered motivations, and unexpected emotional depth. The relationship evolves in a way that feels earned: messy, dark, and intense, but never careless. Add in sharp twists, high stakes, and an atmosphere dripping with danger, and I was completely done for.
Nicole Blanchard writes with confidence and control, pulling you into a world where love and violence blur, and survival doesn’t always mean escape.
Thank you to Grey’s Promotions for the e-ARC, and huge congratulations to Nicole Blanchard on the release of Until Death (January 8th). If this is how the Queenmakers series begins, I am locked in and counting down the days until the next installment.
5 ⭐️ | 4.25 🌶️
I went into Until Death as a Nicole Blanchard newbie and came out utterly wrecked, in the best possible way. This book didn’t just hook me; it dragged me under and refused to let go. One sitting. Zero regrets. Responsibilities? Never heard of those.
Peaky Blinders grit meets God of Malice levels of dark obsession, wrapped in a forced marriage mafia romance that is raw, brutal, and intoxicating from page one. The pacing is relentless, the tension razor-sharp, and the emotional payoff? So worth it.
Catriona is the kind of FMC I instantly respect: fierce, self-sacrificing, and far more resilient than anyone gives her credit for. When she steps into her sister’s place to marry an Irish mafia enforcer, it’s not because she’s reckless, it’s because she’s brave. And watching her navigate a marriage built on debt, power, and fear while slowly reclaiming her agency? Chef’s kiss.
And then there’s Aiden O’Connor. Ruthless. Possessive. Morally gray in the most dangerous way. He doesn’t pretend to be a good man and that honesty somehow makes him even more compelling. The “my wife” energy? LETHAL. The way his vengeance-driven purpose collides with unwanted devotion creates a tension that crackles on every page.
What truly sold this book for me wasn’t just the heat (which is very much there 🥵), but the character growth, layered motivations, and unexpected emotional depth. The relationship evolves in a way that feels earned: messy, dark, and intense, but never careless. Add in sharp twists, high stakes, and an atmosphere dripping with danger, and I was completely done for.
Nicole Blanchard writes with confidence and control, pulling you into a world where love and violence blur, and survival doesn’t always mean escape.
Thank you to Grey’s Promotions for the e-ARC, and huge congratulations to Nicole Blanchard on the release of Until Death (January 8th). If this is how the Queenmakers series begins, I am locked in and counting down the days until the next installment.
January 7, 2026
This book was bursting with chemistry. Honestly, the tension and pent-up desire were so strong I kept waiting for everything to explode. From their very first encounter, Aiden O’Connor and Catriona have this intense, dark pull towards each other that never lets up. One incredible night together leaves them both unable to forget the other and then fate steps in hard when Catriona is forced into marriage with the Irish mafia king to settle her father’s debt.
Aiden absolutely did not want a wife, especially not one who calls to him the way Catriona does. He’s dangerous, ruthless and used to being in control and feelings are the last thing he wants complicating his already brutal world. Catriona, though? She’s bold, fearless and stubborn as hell. She refuses to be intimidated by him and watching her stand her ground was so satisfying. Their banter was sharp, fiery and loaded with tension and every interaction between them felt charged.
Aiden completely stole my heart. Yes, he’s a tough, morally grey mafia man, but his devotion to his wife is everything. His need to protect and provide for Catriona was insanely swoon-worthy, especially given how dangerous his world is. And Catriona was such a strong FMC. Her determination, her resilience and her refusal to back down made her feel so real. I loved her relentless drive to uncover the truth about her mother’s death, it added so much depth to her character and gave the story extra emotional weight.
Both Aiden and Catriona carry a lot of trauma, and I really loved watching them slowly learn to trust each other and heal together. Their enemies-to-lovers journey was full of frustration, longing and moments that burned hot. The emotional payoff was so worth it.
And the ending? Absolutely unhinged in the best way. I genuinely did not see the twist coming. This was an intense, addictive and emotionally charged dark mafia romance. Definitely check the trigger warnings, because there are some heavy themes.
Aiden absolutely did not want a wife, especially not one who calls to him the way Catriona does. He’s dangerous, ruthless and used to being in control and feelings are the last thing he wants complicating his already brutal world. Catriona, though? She’s bold, fearless and stubborn as hell. She refuses to be intimidated by him and watching her stand her ground was so satisfying. Their banter was sharp, fiery and loaded with tension and every interaction between them felt charged.
Aiden completely stole my heart. Yes, he’s a tough, morally grey mafia man, but his devotion to his wife is everything. His need to protect and provide for Catriona was insanely swoon-worthy, especially given how dangerous his world is. And Catriona was such a strong FMC. Her determination, her resilience and her refusal to back down made her feel so real. I loved her relentless drive to uncover the truth about her mother’s death, it added so much depth to her character and gave the story extra emotional weight.
Both Aiden and Catriona carry a lot of trauma, and I really loved watching them slowly learn to trust each other and heal together. Their enemies-to-lovers journey was full of frustration, longing and moments that burned hot. The emotional payoff was so worth it.
And the ending? Absolutely unhinged in the best way. I genuinely did not see the twist coming. This was an intense, addictive and emotionally charged dark mafia romance. Definitely check the trigger warnings, because there are some heavy themes.
January 8, 2026
Until Death, Book 1 in the Queenmakers series, is a dark, high intensity forced marriage mafia romance with morally black characters and a brutal, addictive dynamic. When her sister is forced into a marriage to repay their father’s debt, Catriona steps in and marries Aiden O’Connor herself, the Irish mafia’s most feared enforcer.
There is a prequel novella, Little Death, with Catriona and Aiden, however I had not read this and whilst I had no major issues following along, there were a couple of references to a night Aiden and Catriona spent together in the past which for me left some holes. So, I would recommend reading the prequel for both background and context.
Back to Until Death. Being Aiden’s wife traps Catriona in a world of violence, power, and obsession. Aiden is ruthless, possessive, and determined to control, punish, and keep her as his own. Their marriage becomes a psychological battleground of power, punishment, and forbidden desire. Whilst to start with Aiden was obsessed with breaking Catriona, it turns into devotion and Catriona realizes she may survive the marriage, but not the man.
Catriona eventually uncovers the truth about her father’s debt and realises Aiden manipulated the situation and orchestrated the marriage from the beginning. It shatters her, but it also forces her to confront her own feelings. Then, when a rival faction targets her to hurt Aiden, he unleashes hell. He slaughters anyone involved and nearly dies protecting her.
Catriona and Aidens journey is full of secrets, lies and betrayals and come with twists and turns you won’t see coming. Aiden vows she will never leave him. She vows she never will. Their marriage becomes a twisted, passionate, violent devotion, a love story that can only end one way, “Until death” do us part. I’m excited to see where this series goes in the future.
There is a prequel novella, Little Death, with Catriona and Aiden, however I had not read this and whilst I had no major issues following along, there were a couple of references to a night Aiden and Catriona spent together in the past which for me left some holes. So, I would recommend reading the prequel for both background and context.
Back to Until Death. Being Aiden’s wife traps Catriona in a world of violence, power, and obsession. Aiden is ruthless, possessive, and determined to control, punish, and keep her as his own. Their marriage becomes a psychological battleground of power, punishment, and forbidden desire. Whilst to start with Aiden was obsessed with breaking Catriona, it turns into devotion and Catriona realizes she may survive the marriage, but not the man.
Catriona eventually uncovers the truth about her father’s debt and realises Aiden manipulated the situation and orchestrated the marriage from the beginning. It shatters her, but it also forces her to confront her own feelings. Then, when a rival faction targets her to hurt Aiden, he unleashes hell. He slaughters anyone involved and nearly dies protecting her.
Catriona and Aidens journey is full of secrets, lies and betrayals and come with twists and turns you won’t see coming. Aiden vows she will never leave him. She vows she never will. Their marriage becomes a twisted, passionate, violent devotion, a love story that can only end one way, “Until death” do us part. I’m excited to see where this series goes in the future.
January 8, 2026
Tropes:
🖤Irish mafia / organized crime
🖤forced marriage (she actually take the place of her sister)
🖤dub/non-con
🖤good boy
🖤"my wife"
Thank you Nichole Blanchard and Grey’s Promotions for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re planning to dive into Until Death, I highly recommend reading the prequel novella Little Death first—it gives valuable context about Catriona and Aiden’s first encounter and sets up the electric chemistry between them.
I absolutely loved this story! It has all the dark romance tropes I adore—enemies to lovers, forced marriage, emotional intensity—and Nichole Blanchard executed them beautifully. Catriona is a fierce, determined heroine whose strength and sharp personality perfectly match Aiden’s brooding control and intensity. Their relationship begins with tension and resistance, given that Catriona’s father’s debt forces her into Aiden’s world and eventually into a marriage meant for her sister. From that moment, the tension simmers deliciously.
What I especially appreciated is that while the attraction sparks immediately, the deeper emotional connection builds gradually. Aiden remains focused and composed, unwilling to give up control, while Catriona allows herself moments of vulnerability without ever losing her fire. That balance keeps the story emotionally charged and makes their eventual surrender to one another even more powerful. There were scenes that made me blush, moments that made me ache, and dialogues that genuinely tugged at my heart.
Beyond the central romance, the story includes a few secondary characters who add warmth and humor—Eamon, in particular, made me laugh every time he got under Aiden’s skin. And the touch of mystery throughout the plot took me by surprise. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, Nichole Blanchard added twists that left me second-guessing every assumption.
A dark, seductive, and well-crafted romance, Until Death truly kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.
🖤Irish mafia / organized crime
🖤forced marriage (she actually take the place of her sister)
🖤dub/non-con
🖤good boy
🖤"my wife"
Thank you Nichole Blanchard and Grey’s Promotions for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re planning to dive into Until Death, I highly recommend reading the prequel novella Little Death first—it gives valuable context about Catriona and Aiden’s first encounter and sets up the electric chemistry between them.
I absolutely loved this story! It has all the dark romance tropes I adore—enemies to lovers, forced marriage, emotional intensity—and Nichole Blanchard executed them beautifully. Catriona is a fierce, determined heroine whose strength and sharp personality perfectly match Aiden’s brooding control and intensity. Their relationship begins with tension and resistance, given that Catriona’s father’s debt forces her into Aiden’s world and eventually into a marriage meant for her sister. From that moment, the tension simmers deliciously.
What I especially appreciated is that while the attraction sparks immediately, the deeper emotional connection builds gradually. Aiden remains focused and composed, unwilling to give up control, while Catriona allows herself moments of vulnerability without ever losing her fire. That balance keeps the story emotionally charged and makes their eventual surrender to one another even more powerful. There were scenes that made me blush, moments that made me ache, and dialogues that genuinely tugged at my heart.
Beyond the central romance, the story includes a few secondary characters who add warmth and humor—Eamon, in particular, made me laugh every time he got under Aiden’s skin. And the touch of mystery throughout the plot took me by surprise. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, Nichole Blanchard added twists that left me second-guessing every assumption.
A dark, seductive, and well-crafted romance, Until Death truly kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.
January 5, 2026
A wonderful complex character and a plot that you cannot put down until you reach the end
Catriona is a law student who had her life planned out as well as anyone can and then everything changed, her mother death had caused her to lose all this and she now discovers that her sister has his been put up to marry Aiden to clear her father’s debts.
Aiden has been forced into the role of enforcer for the Irish Mob had been being taught so that he could take over for his father when her passed, when his father had been murdered and the man responsible then had married his mother. The past years he has been building a life in New Orleans and biding his time to inflict revenge. When a desperate man is offering a daughter in payment for a debt, he I s owed he knows he has to save her.
Imagine Aidens surprise when Catriona puts herself in her sister position to clear her father’s debt and even though she had been the woman he desired from the off, he had agreed to marry her and the wedding had taken place. Once he is married to Catriona, he is torn between wanting to spend nights with his new wife, he wants to relive the night he had previously spent with her as well as knowing the lash back from his father when he discovers he has married Catriona and not her sister who the agreement had originally been made for.
This was a simply wonderful read, it was captivating and other readers cannot help but be as totally captivated by this the next book in this series.
I look forward to future reads within this series and know other readers will be as captivated as myself.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
Catriona is a law student who had her life planned out as well as anyone can and then everything changed, her mother death had caused her to lose all this and she now discovers that her sister has his been put up to marry Aiden to clear her father’s debts.
Aiden has been forced into the role of enforcer for the Irish Mob had been being taught so that he could take over for his father when her passed, when his father had been murdered and the man responsible then had married his mother. The past years he has been building a life in New Orleans and biding his time to inflict revenge. When a desperate man is offering a daughter in payment for a debt, he I s owed he knows he has to save her.
Imagine Aidens surprise when Catriona puts herself in her sister position to clear her father’s debt and even though she had been the woman he desired from the off, he had agreed to marry her and the wedding had taken place. Once he is married to Catriona, he is torn between wanting to spend nights with his new wife, he wants to relive the night he had previously spent with her as well as knowing the lash back from his father when he discovers he has married Catriona and not her sister who the agreement had originally been made for.
This was a simply wonderful read, it was captivating and other readers cannot help but be as totally captivated by this the next book in this series.
I look forward to future reads within this series and know other readers will be as captivated as myself.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
January 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-ARC Review WITH SPOILERS!
“Until Death” completely hooked me from start to finish. Catriona is such a strong FMC. I’ve loved her since Little Death, and this book reminded me again why I always gravitate toward powerful heroines. She refuses to break, even when life keeps trying.
And Aiden… honestly, he might be the sweetest mafia hero I’ve ever read. On the outside he gives total IDGAF, big bad husband energy, but underneath it all he’s a complete teddy bear. He’s loved Catriona from the beginning and does everything he can to keep her safe. The way he worships her like the world would end without her. I ate that up.
Both of them carry so much emotional damage, especially when it comes to their mothers, and seeing how those wounds shaped them made their relationship feel deeper and real. Their bickering was one of my favorite parts, it added humor, tension, and chemistry in all the right places.
And THE PLOT TWIST. I don’t even know where to begin. I absolutely did not see it coming and I loved that it surprised me. It was an emotional roller coaster for me. It had me in my feelings lol.
This felt way more plot/story driven than smut, and I honestly didn’t mind at all. The story kept me flipping pages. It didn’t feel like any other mafia book I’ve read before, and I loved that fresh take on the genre.
So grateful I got the chance to read this before release. Definitely one I’ll be thinking about for a while and I will be purchasing these books as it is something I’ll reread again.
“Until Death” completely hooked me from start to finish. Catriona is such a strong FMC. I’ve loved her since Little Death, and this book reminded me again why I always gravitate toward powerful heroines. She refuses to break, even when life keeps trying.
And Aiden… honestly, he might be the sweetest mafia hero I’ve ever read. On the outside he gives total IDGAF, big bad husband energy, but underneath it all he’s a complete teddy bear. He’s loved Catriona from the beginning and does everything he can to keep her safe. The way he worships her like the world would end without her. I ate that up.
Both of them carry so much emotional damage, especially when it comes to their mothers, and seeing how those wounds shaped them made their relationship feel deeper and real. Their bickering was one of my favorite parts, it added humor, tension, and chemistry in all the right places.
And THE PLOT TWIST. I don’t even know where to begin. I absolutely did not see it coming and I loved that it surprised me. It was an emotional roller coaster for me. It had me in my feelings lol.
This felt way more plot/story driven than smut, and I honestly didn’t mind at all. The story kept me flipping pages. It didn’t feel like any other mafia book I’ve read before, and I loved that fresh take on the genre.
So grateful I got the chance to read this before release. Definitely one I’ll be thinking about for a while and I will be purchasing these books as it is something I’ll reread again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2026
𝗨𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 is dark, intense and emotionally charged. This story thrives on obsession, power and a constant push-and-pull between two equally strong characters.
Catriona was the heart of this book for me. She’s fierce, stubborn and completely unwilling to be overshadowed. Watching her go head-to-head with Aiden, challenging him at every turn was incredibly satisfying!!!😍Their dynamic is explosive because neither of them surrenders control easily—and when they do, it’s always by choice. Those moments where Aiden is literally brought to his knees for her? Unforgettable🤤🙈
What truly made this story work for me was the balance of power between them. Aiden’s darkness and possessiveness never cross into control. There’s a line where he thinks, “𝘼 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣… 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙠” and that perfectly captures their dynamic. He doesn’t dim Catriona’s fire—he trusts her, steps back and lets her strike when it matters. Watching them challenge each other heads on and still choose one another made their relationship feel intense and deeply satisfying❤️
The layered plot, family tensions and side characters added depth without slowing the story and by the end I felt completely immersed in their world.
If you haven’t read 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 please start from here—as it will make much more sense and will hit even harder.
Thank you so much Nicole for sending the e-arc for this book!!!🥹
Catriona was the heart of this book for me. She’s fierce, stubborn and completely unwilling to be overshadowed. Watching her go head-to-head with Aiden, challenging him at every turn was incredibly satisfying!!!😍Their dynamic is explosive because neither of them surrenders control easily—and when they do, it’s always by choice. Those moments where Aiden is literally brought to his knees for her? Unforgettable🤤🙈
What truly made this story work for me was the balance of power between them. Aiden’s darkness and possessiveness never cross into control. There’s a line where he thinks, “𝘼 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣… 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙠” and that perfectly captures their dynamic. He doesn’t dim Catriona’s fire—he trusts her, steps back and lets her strike when it matters. Watching them challenge each other heads on and still choose one another made their relationship feel intense and deeply satisfying❤️
The layered plot, family tensions and side characters added depth without slowing the story and by the end I felt completely immersed in their world.
If you haven’t read 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 please start from here—as it will make much more sense and will hit even harder.
Thank you so much Nicole for sending the e-arc for this book!!!🥹
January 6, 2026
4.5 stars, 4 on the spice scale.
I got this as an ARC because I wanted to try Nicole Blanchard, and I ended up loving it. I'd recommend reading the prequel (Little Death) first as it sets up the connection between the characters and the early part of the book might be confusing without this foundation.
In Until Death, Aiden initially comes across as a psycho mob boss, but we quickly learn there's much more to him than that. Catriona is the daughter of a senator who owes the mafia a lot of money and so Catriona's sister is arranged in marriage to Aiden to settle this debt. Wanting to protect her sister, Catriona tricks Aiden into marrying her instead. Catriona is in way over her head and suddenly finds herself being dragged into Irish mob politics.
Their dynamic is prickly, tense, and full of push‑and‑pull, but the chemistry works, and I loved how they slowly shift from enemies to allies to something more. The plot has great momentum: secrets, betrayals, family revelations, and a final showdown in Ireland that ties everything together.
Overall, this was a great blend of action, romance, and character tension. It kept me engaged the whole way through, and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
*Thank you to Greys Promotions and the author for an ARC of this title.
I got this as an ARC because I wanted to try Nicole Blanchard, and I ended up loving it. I'd recommend reading the prequel (Little Death) first as it sets up the connection between the characters and the early part of the book might be confusing without this foundation.
In Until Death, Aiden initially comes across as a psycho mob boss, but we quickly learn there's much more to him than that. Catriona is the daughter of a senator who owes the mafia a lot of money and so Catriona's sister is arranged in marriage to Aiden to settle this debt. Wanting to protect her sister, Catriona tricks Aiden into marrying her instead. Catriona is in way over her head and suddenly finds herself being dragged into Irish mob politics.
Their dynamic is prickly, tense, and full of push‑and‑pull, but the chemistry works, and I loved how they slowly shift from enemies to allies to something more. The plot has great momentum: secrets, betrayals, family revelations, and a final showdown in Ireland that ties everything together.
Overall, this was a great blend of action, romance, and character tension. It kept me engaged the whole way through, and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
*Thank you to Greys Promotions and the author for an ARC of this title.
January 8, 2026
Dark, brutal, and completely addictive.
Until Death is a vicious forced-marriage mafia romance that delivers exactly what it promises—and then some. Think Peaky Blinders grit colliding with a Mafia lead background and Nicole Blanchard doesn’t hold back.
Aiden O’Connor well......he's ruthless, possessive, and morally black, he embodies everything terrifying about the Irish mafia. Watching him collide with Catriona who's a heroine bold enough to sacrifice herself to save her sister creates a power struggle that’s explosive, twisted, and impossible to look away from. The forced marriage trope is executed flawlessly, with razor-sharp tension, dark chemistry, and a constant sense of danger. Their dynamic is volatile, obsessive, and drenched in control, pushing both characters to their limits. The pacing is fast, the stakes are high, and the emotional intensity never lets up.
This book is not for the faint of heart—but for dark romance readers who crave morally gray heroines, unhinged antiheroes, and a marriage built on vengeance and obsession, Until Death is utterly consuming. Read the trigger warnings.....then buckle up because you're in for the ride of your life!!! I do also recommend reading Little Death before this has that gives a bit of a backdrop to this one and you'll know the characters a bit more.
Until Death is a vicious forced-marriage mafia romance that delivers exactly what it promises—and then some. Think Peaky Blinders grit colliding with a Mafia lead background and Nicole Blanchard doesn’t hold back.
Aiden O’Connor well......he's ruthless, possessive, and morally black, he embodies everything terrifying about the Irish mafia. Watching him collide with Catriona who's a heroine bold enough to sacrifice herself to save her sister creates a power struggle that’s explosive, twisted, and impossible to look away from. The forced marriage trope is executed flawlessly, with razor-sharp tension, dark chemistry, and a constant sense of danger. Their dynamic is volatile, obsessive, and drenched in control, pushing both characters to their limits. The pacing is fast, the stakes are high, and the emotional intensity never lets up.
This book is not for the faint of heart—but for dark romance readers who crave morally gray heroines, unhinged antiheroes, and a marriage built on vengeance and obsession, Until Death is utterly consuming. Read the trigger warnings.....then buckle up because you're in for the ride of your life!!! I do also recommend reading Little Death before this has that gives a bit of a backdrop to this one and you'll know the characters a bit more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews